Airbus plans in-flight communication tool

Airbus has developed a consumer communications brand that will allow air travellers to make calls and send texts, email and use the internet during flights.

The aircraft manufacturer is promoting OnAir to airlines to encourage them to adopt the branded service.

Using OnAir, passengers will be able to access the services via their own phones, laptops and PDAs.

Airbus has hired consultancy FutureBrand to create OnAir's visual identity and brand strategy, as well as a website that will showcase its services to airlines and consumers.

It will initially offer traditional in-seat telephony and SMS, as well as email and instant messaging from laptops. Next year, it will introduce web browsing and access to corporate networks.

Mobile telephony will follow in 2006, enabling passengers to use their own phones to make and receive calls and send text messages, saving money on the expensive inflight satellite phone network currently offered by airlines.

The airlines will be responsible for promoting the communications services, although OnAir branding is expected to be prevalent in advertising and on planes.

Airbus has teamed up with in-flight communication spe- cialists SITA and Tenzing to create the venture and provide airlines with the technology to offer the services.

SITA provides connectivity to airlines including Delta and Emirates, while Tenzing supplies cabin connectivity to airlines including Virgin Atlantic and United. The firms will combine their customer bases for the venture.

In-flight internet communications are predicted to generate up to $3bn (£1.6bn) a year within the next dec-ade, according to Airbus rival Boeing, with all major aircraft manufacturers developing their own services.

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